Scouts build and race soapbox cars in our Scout Programs to promote sportsmanship, good character, craftsmanship and creative and critical thinking in our Scouts. This a very important and FUN activity; our Scouts get a lot of the experience, from woodcraft to working with their own hands, to making friends. As this activity takes quite a while, it is best to do it on a weekend day.Cars can be built over several days or in one day and raced the next, or built one day and raced at a later date, however that would require storage.Parents may offer garage space or a school, church, temple or business may be able to temporarily offer space.

Parents, Multiple Generations, and Extended Family Members

Parents, multiple generations, and extended family members take part in this FUN, adventurous activity.Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles all take part and build their own derby cars, or just cheer the Scouts on.

Before Building the Car and Racing

Scouts can think of what they would like their car to look like.Examples can be found online.We want our Scouts to have the opportunity to develop creative and critical thinking skills by designing their own cars.

Car Building Basics

Scouts plan what they would like their car to look like and then craft from wood, metal, and whatever can easily be obtained.Our Scouts develop resourcefulness by using the items they have on hand to build their cars.Examples of specific plans for cars can be found online.We want our Scouts to have the opportunity to develop creative and critical thinking skills by designing their own cars.Scouts paint their cars with the colors and numbers of their choice.Racing locations are streets temporarily closed to traffic or long parking lots with slopes.

Building and racing soapbox cars is a time-honored tradition that is just as much FUN today as it once was.

Cars can be elaborate or simple; our Scouts use their creative and critical thinking skills to create the cars they want and have FUN doing it.

Contests

Contests can be held for the fastest car, the best design, best decoration, and funniest car.Scouts can race repeatedly and improve their time.